Cooking eggs in a cast iron skillet can be a delightful experience as it distributes heat evenly and helps achieve a beautiful sear. Here are some of the best ways to cook eggs in a cast iron skillet:
Fried Eggs: For classic fried eggs, start by preheating the cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet. Crack the eggs gently into the skillet and let them cook until the whites are set, and the edges are slightly crispy. For sunny-side-up eggs, cook without flipping. If you prefer over-easy or over-medium eggs, carefully flip them and cook for a brief moment on the other side.
Scrambled Eggs: Preheat the skillet over medium-low heat and add some butter or oil. Whisk the eggs in a bowl until well combined. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and cook while continuously stirring gently. This method prevents the eggs from sticking and ensures a creamy, soft scramble. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired additions like cheese, chives, or diced vegetables.
Omelette: For a delicious cast iron omelette, preheat the skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Beat the eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and let them cook for a minute or so. Add your preferred fillings like cheese, cooked vegetables, ham, or bacon to one-half of the eggs. Gently fold the other half of the eggs over the fillings and cook until the omelette is set.
Poached Eggs: Preheat the skillet with water over medium heat until it simmers. Crack the eggs gently into the water and let them poach for a few minutes until the whites are set, and the yolks are still runny. Use a slotted spoon to remove the poached eggs from the skillet.
Egg Frittata: Preheat the skillet over medium heat and add some oil or butter. Beat the eggs in a bowl and add your desired mix-ins such as vegetables, cheese, cooked meat, or herbs. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook for a few minutes until the edges are set. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and broil for a few minutes until the top is golden brown and fully set.
Remember to use a sufficient amount of oil or butter to prevent the eggs from sticking to the cast iron skillet. Additionally, avoid cooking eggs on very high heat to prevent the non-stick properties of the cast iron from breaking down. With these methods, you can enjoy perfectly cooked eggs in your cast iron skillet.